Livestock is a cornerstone of global food systems, supporting the livelihoods of over 1.3 billion people and contributing 30% of agricultural output in low- and middle-income countries. However, the sector also accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, intensifying pressure on ecosystems, land, and biodiversity. The World Bank, in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), organized a groundbreaking training on designing and implementing climate-smart livestock operations, held in Nairobi from December 2–6, 2024.
The five-day training convened over 20 participants, including representatives from the World Bank, CGIAR, FAO, and project teams from Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA). The event emphasized the urgent need to balance livestock's critical role in livelihoods with its environmental footprint.
With a focus on building capacity for sustainable livestock management, the training sessions aligned with the World Bank’s corporate commitments to GHG accounting, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV).
Participants explored actionable strategies to address emissions, including:
- Improved Feed Formulations: Enhancing animal diets to reduce methane production.
- Rotational Grazing Systems: Mitigating soil degradation and promoting carbon sequestration.
- Manure Management Systems: Reducing nitrous oxide emissions through better waste handling.
Technical sessions also introduced participants to tools like Marginal Abatement Cost Curves (MACCs) and strategies for scaling climate-smart livestock (CSL) practices. The training highlighted the importance of tailoring interventions to local contexts and economic realities for effective implementation.
The program featured field visits to Kenya’s Mazingira Research Centre and Kapiti Research Station, where participants observed innovative practices in action. Activities included demonstrations of fodder trials, improved pasture systems, and advanced laboratory research on emissions monitoring, providing hands-on experience in sustainable livestock management.
It is worth noting that, CCARDESA is currently coordinating the regional implementation of several World Bank-funded initiatives, including the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA), Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), and the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa.
The World Bank’s continued support for climate-smart livestock ensures that the knowledge and tools developed during the sessions will be integrated into projects on the ground, advancing sustainable practices across the region. This initiative represents a vital step towards achieving global climate goals while addressing regional development priorities. It underscores the potential for collaborative, science-driven approaches to create a more sustainable and equitable future for livestock systems worldwide.
